The New York-based brand development and licensing company has acquired the brands from Schottenstein Luxury Group for an undisclosed sum reported WWD.

"I've tried to buy all three brands three times," Salter told WWD in an exclusive interview at the company's 33rd Street offices in Manhattan Wednesday morning. "But Jay Schottenstein, chairman of Schottenstein Stores Corp., is an incredibly tough negotiator. We finally came up with a plan that would work by giving him a silent minority share."

Salter and Nick Woodhouse, president and chief marketing officer of Authentic Brands, has ambitious growth plans for all three labels. But Judith Leiber is the with the most potential in their eyes.

"That's the prize," said Salter. "The jewel," Woodhouse agreed.

"We really believe in it," Salter said. "It's a brand with a huge history in the luxury space. It's nontarnished, and we are very comfortable that we'll be able to build on that around the world."